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'Longlegs': Why Nicolas Cage's 'disturbing' film has moviegoers scared out of their wits

Nicolas Cage and Maika Monroe starrer 'Longlegs' has opened to positive reviews from critics and fans

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Ever since the trailer for 'Longlegs' was released, fans have been eagerly anticipating an exceptional cinematic experience. This Satanic horror film brings together actor Nicolas Cage and filmmaker Oz Perkins, son of the late Anthony Perkins.

The film hit cinemas on July 12, 2024, and received rave reviews from critics. The strong buzz surrounding the film has drawn audiences to theaters, who are now sharing their unfiltered feedback.

'Longlegs' lives up to the hype and expectations

As per the initial fan reactions, 'Longlegs' has succeeded in making a mark in the horror genre. A fan on X called the film "incredible" while terming it as "unsettling and disturbing."

Another X user said, "Went to see Longlegs expecting that it’s gonna be a snooze fest (just like most horror films), but this one is pretty well made. A little bit sad that it went the supernatural way, but I can suspend the disbelief enough to enjoy it."

Nicolas Cage plays the role of a serial killer in the film. Praising his work, a fan tweeted, "Nic Cage is terrific in Longlegs. He's a perfectly struck balance between so-weird-he's-funny and cheerful, almost playful evil, and I will not be forgetting his performance any time soon."

"Extremely well-acted. Love Nicolas and Maika here. The atmosphere is v chilling and disturbing. Doesn’t rely on too many jump scares. It’s v persuasive in terms of convincing me to feel scared," added another fan.

An impressed fan said, "Marketing definitely helped with LongLegs, however, the movie is genuinely good and creepy. Didn't have any complaints about it until the 3rd act. Been a while that I have been genuinely creeped out with an acting performance in a movie. That was refreshing."

Someone else tweeted, "longlegs is f*****g intense. there is an overwhelming sense of unease and dread that just overtakes the entire film. it is not what I was expecting and I love what it what we ended up getting. the cinematography and soundtrack and sound design were all top notch."

"Osgood Perkins crafted one of the scariest scenes of the year in the first five minutes of Longlegs. The visceral reaction and chills I got was something else!" reads another positive review.

'Longlegs' receives its fair share of criticism

Like every piece of art, 'Longlegs' too has received negative feedback. Certain viewers have outright rejected the film, with one review calling it  "devastatingly disappointing".

"Lmao longlegs is dogs**t. Writing so bad it’d be entertaining camp if it wasn’t shot like a direct to streaming Wes Anderson knock off. Some well edited scares but even these are pretty cheap. Derivative and heartless, don’t fall for the hype!!" said another disappointed man.

How to stream 'Longlegs'?

Written and directed by Oz Perkins, the film features Maika Monroe, Nicolas Cage, and Blair Underwood in pivotal roles.

The official synopsis for 'Longlegs' reads, "In pursuit of a serial killer, an FBI agent uncovers a series of occult clues that she must solve to end his terrifying killing spree."

The film was released in cinemas on July 12, 2024. Fans will have to wait a few more months for its digital premiere, as 'Longlegs' is expected to debut on Hulu by the end of the year.

'Longlegs' trailer